School wants food certificate for student's cake sale

Georgie was refused to sell her cakes to her friends because of health and safety

Georgie Hippolite, 12, brought in 40 treats for the charity event.

But teachers barred her from selling the cakes after discovering her mum Kirsty, 39, did not hold a Food Hygiene Certificate.

Cowes Enterprise College, on the Isle of Wight, said without the professional qual-ification anyone who had fallen sick after eating Kirsty’s cakes could have sued.

Kirsty said: “I spent about two hours baking and icing the cakes but got a phone call from her teacher later that afternoon.

Kirsty spent two hours baking the cakes for Georgie to take into school

“It’s ridiculous. Health and safety has gone mad.”

Kirsty, Georgia's Mum

“He was apologetic and sounded as if he felt a bit foolish as he asked if I had a food hygiene certificate. He said Georgie was unable to sell the cakes unless they were made by somebody who had the qualification because of health and safety.

“It’s ridiculous. Health and safety has gone mad.”

Headmaster James Stewart said: “The safety of our students is of paramount importance so we followed the recommended guidance.”

But Isle of Wight Council spokesman Bill Murphy said: “Parents making the occasional cake to sell at a school event do not need to be registered.”